Winchester Ramblers Hosting Art Walks Along the South Downs Way this Spring
Winchester Ramblers have been working with the curators of an exciting new art exhibition to offer a series of free local walks to the public, accompanied by some of the artists featured in this exhibition. “Every Step of The Way” is an exciting new exhibition starting at the Winchester Arc Gallery in April and running through to July, featuring 33 contemporary artists exploring the experience of Walking the South Downs Way.
Artist and exhibition co-curator Tim Craven explains “Leading artists from across the region have been invited to create new works for the Every Step of The Way exhibition, inspired by this dramatic landscape on our doorstep. The collaboration with Ramblers to go out walking with some of the artists in the settings that have inspired them will really bring this exhibition to life and we hope that visitors will build on the experience by joining us on these free walks”.
Friday 25 April – This first walk will start in central Winchester, in the company of painters Robert Brooks and Tim Craven, and take in the views of this ancient city from St Giles Hill before following the start of the South Downs Way to the 900-year-old church at Chilcomb and back, in a 5-mile loop.
Monday 12 May – The second, 5-mile walk will explore the South Downs and panoramic views around Cheesefoot Head and Mattingley Bowl with acclaimed painter Fiona McIntyre, following part of the South Downs Way before looping back to the start.
Tuesday 3 June – This short 2-mile walk around the top of Old Winchester Hill brings far-reaching views across Hampshire. Accompanied by Tiffany Robinson (Film and Mixed Media), Jonathan Thompson (Printmaker), Melanie Rose (Painter), there will be frequent stops for these artists to impart insights into their inspirations, interpretations, and work.
Friday 20 June – The final walk in this series will be a longer 5-mile loop around the area of Old Winchester Hill again, this time in the company of painter and founder of the Arborealist group of artists, Tim Craven. The walk will include stretches of the South Downs Way and Monarch’s Way, and with views from the bottom and top of the hill, will involve a steep climb or two.
Chair of Winchester Ramblers, Richard Eve said “We are proud and delighted to have this opportunity to be joined by some extremely talented artists on a series of four short walks. We have planned some beautiful routes that will take us to the ancient Norman church at Chilcomb, to Cheesefoot Head and to Old Winchester Hill, showcasing some of the local highlights of the South Downs Way”.
Bookings for these free walks can now be made on The Arc website at ArcWinchester.org.uk, where they are listed as “Special Events”. All walks are in the countryside and involve uphill climbs so attendees should wear suitable footwear and clothing for the expected weather. Other Rambler walks in Hampshire and beyond, can be found at Ramblers.org.uk
News of more special walking events for 2025 to follow next month!
